The decision to hire an attorney varies from person to person, but in certain instances it is important to work with a qualified legal professional. A good resource to use is your local bar association’s lawyer referral service.
When interviewing lawyers, look for someone who is a good listener but can also be direct with you when necessary. Find out how they charge for their services and reach an agreement on how fees will be calculated before beginning work.
Know What You Want
If you are going to spend a lot of money hiring a skilled legal professional for a specific issue, you want to make sure that you are choosing the right person. Logic and common sense can be the best tools for evaluating your experience with attorneys but your gut also plays a role.
You should treat each meeting like a job interview and ask the same questions that you would any other employee. Ask about their background, education and experience. Also, listen to how they answer your questions. If they are defensive or unable to explain the law and how it applies to your case, you might not be able to trust them with your legal matter.
Another important question to ask is how many cases they have handled in your particular type of case. However, don’t rely on this alone, as every case is different and you may be better served by an attorney who specializes in your situation.
Get Recommendations
When it comes to finding the right attorney, personal referrals are a great place to start. Ask family, friends and co-workers who they have worked with in the past, as well as what type of service they received. You can also check with state bar associations or lawyer referral services for listings of attorneys that specialize in the area you require assistance.
Once you have compiled a list of potential lawyers, interview them. During these meetings, you should pay close attention to how they respond to your questions. Make notes so you can compare the answers you receive from each attorney. Also, take note of whether or not they make you feel comfortable and welcome your confidences.
Additionally, look for an attorney that is a good communicator and is willing to keep you updated on the status of your case. Remember, the relationship with your attorney will probably last several years, so it is important to find one that you can trust and enjoy working with.
Do Your Research
Many attorneys offer a free consultation either in person or over the telephone. During this meeting, you should ask the attorney questions to find out more about them and their experience and capabilities.
For example, you should find out how long they have been practicing law and if they specialise in your type of case. Additionally, you should ask about their office procedures and what they usually charge for cases like yours.
It is also important to find out how available they will be and whether you can trust them to keep your private matters confidential. Finally, you should make sure that they will be able to handle your case in the time frame you require.
Lastly, you should also consider your gut feeling about the attorney. If something feels off, you should move on to another candidate. This will help ensure you get the best possible outcome for your legal issue. If you follow these tips, you should be able to find the right lawyer for your needs in no time.
Schedule a Consultation
One of the most important parts of the hiring process is meeting with an attorney. Most attorneys offer what is called a “free consultation.”
This is an opportunity to describe your case to the lawyer and learn about how they can help. The consultation usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. If you have any documentation that you want the attorney to look at, bring it with you. It will make it easier to explain your case.
Many attorneys use this initial consultation to determine whether or not they are a good fit for you and your case. This is why it is so important to do your research before you go to the consultation. If you are not a good match, it is likely that the lawyer will not take your case and you will need to find another attorney. Also, if the lawyer is able to answer your questions during the consult, they should do so.